SleepinJeezus's picture

    Dateline: Madison, Wisconsin, Feb. 19, 2011

    By SleepinJeezus on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 9:33am |

    Just a few impressions of my time spent at the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday

    IMG_0320

    Saturday proved to be a most amazing day in what has been a week of non-violent protest against Governor Walker's Republican assault on worker's rights in Wisconsin.

    Joan and I got there early enough to get a place right at the center of the Rotunda on the ground floor. I was even invited to address the crowd by friends of mine who helped organize this portion of the rally. This isn't recounted here in any effort to reflect any particularly special status afforded to me. After all, the floor was turned over for any citizen in attendance who chose to voice their opinions and their passion, and many stirring comments were offered to the raucous applause and approval of the thousands in attendance. It was nevertheless a remarkable experience to stand on the floor of the rotunda in the Wisconsin State Capitol and give voice to my concerns while hopefully encouraging the others who gathered in the spirit of (and in the very shadows cast by!) Fighting Bob LaFollette and his Populist movement.

    The events of this past week have been quite remarkably emotional for me. Indeed, I hadn't slept in two days prior to last night, and I just had my first real meal since Thursday. Seriously, it has had me even questioning my own emotional and mental health, if only because I have become consumed by this effort with a determination that this is an existential fight. We either win this one or go home and await the finishing blows in the Class War, at which time we will be starting pretty much from scratch.

    Walker and Rove and the Koch Brothers will probably prevail in this fight at the end of this non-violent "insurrection," but it will be a battle lost that will strengthen the backbone of Labor nationwide sufficient to win the war. If we can only keep the momentum, this event in Wisconsin can well be marked as the point in history when workers FINALLY began fighting back to successfully knock the plutocrats on their collective asses. Just to see the Tea Party relegated to a street corner off the Square behind a police cordon, muttering expletives and hurling insults from the midst of their irrelevance to everything going on was worth the price of admission on its own.

    I don't wish to leave the impression, however, that this protest acton has been all sturm und drang. Never let it be said that the good people of Wisconsin don't conduct themselves with peaceful civility offered with a measure of good humor. Rumors were rife that Sarah Palin was going to appear on the Square on behalf of the Tea Party. Supposedly she didn't make it, and we got Joe the Plumber instead.

    Apparently, Sarah got lost on the way to Wisconsin (Sarah? Lost? I know. What's the point, right?) when her handlers took that hard right turn that delivered her to Walkertucky instead. Yet, she did eventually make it to the demonstration after all. And she was greeted with roaring voices of approval from the union crowd who all seemed to appreciate her effort and gathered to take her picture:

    IMG_0335

    There were many stirring moments experienced throughout the day.

    IMG_0305

    The photo above is of the drums and pipers leading the firefighters onto the floor of the Capitol. (Sorry! the quality was the best I could do on the short notice given that "The Firefighters are in the People's House!" just as the bagpipes droned to our right to announce their arrival.) It was a very emotional moment, as hundreds of them from throughout the state - many in turnout gear and some in full dress uniform - paraded through to show their support for the workers in this fight.

    The firefighter's appearance on the floor of the Capitol into the midst of this demonstration is an incredible development in this fight against the Governor's tyranny. The firefighter's union supported Walker in the last election and are exempt from the Bill's provisions. Yet, they left little doubt about where their loyalties are in this battle, and the response from the assembled crowd was deafening.

    Ramona (ht/ty!) posted a splendid link on facebook to a video of the procession (from Friday? Perhaps Thursday?). As you listen and view it, I think you will understand how even just the memory of this procession still puts a lump in my throat even as I write this:

    Labor Solidarity was on full display for all to see in Madison. Teamsters were on parade. Steelworkers were there in large numbers. Construction Trades took up a half-block just off the square with a battalion of volunteers and grills to offer a "tailgate party" that offered free bratwurst and bottled water to all comers. Pizza was made available to marchers, delivered hot by local pizza parlors who were continually taking orders for hundreds of dollars worth of pizza from donors calling from out-of-state. There was even a collection of Doctors available with signs announcing their availability to write "A Note" for public employees and others who have been absent from work:

    DSCN2196

    Thousands of people in the Capitol, all chanting in a call and response: "Tell me what democracy looks like!" "THIS is what democracy looks like!"

    God, I'm proud to be a Badger! And I wish you were here!

    Solidarity!

    Comments

    Bagpipes for the win, Sleepin'!


    by quinn esq on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 10:54am

    Great pix, great report, Sleepin.

    As a decade-long union officer (now retired) I'm with you in spirit.

    Do try to get some sleep. As you note, this battle is for the long haul.


    by acanuck on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 2:23pm

    You go bejeebebus and Joan!!!!

    You're in my thoughts, and I found out i can send pizza courtesy Ians on State Street!! I will do so. A very talented filmmaker has me itching to be there with you all. Stay safe and warm.

    ON WISCONSIN!!!!!!

    http://vimeo.com/20089255

    http://vimeo.com/20168864


    by bwakkie (not verified) on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 2:24pm

    bwakkie (not verified)

    Inasmuch as you are visiting the low-rent district, you might as well register...no one will give you up over at you-kno-who's-site...


    by jollyroger on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 4:05pm

    My thoughts eggzackly...


    by LisB on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 4:26pm

    I'm registered here. I just don't remember what password or e-mail I signed up with.

    Check THIS out. It makes me mad enough to really lay an egg!

    http://www.marktalk.com/blog/2011/02/20/fight-the-seiu-with-tactic-they-...

    This is the same pos that wrote that fake "Letter to Lincoln" from a "slave" complaining that he didn't want to be freed. He got kicked out of the tea party, but apparently still does radio, and will be asking for others to sign on. He disabled comments, but before he did, he deleted the comments from his fellow tea partiers that called him out for his appalling tactics, and NOW it is spreading to other tea party sites.

    It just makes me SO MAD!

    (ack!)

     


    by bwakkie (not verified) on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 7:24pm

    I must say, I loved the comments, starting with yours (First!)  I have never seen a smarmier smile than the one on his book cover.  The man gives scumbags a bad name....He brings out my inner Trotsky (Comes the Revolution, some of you will have to be shot...sorry 'bout your luck)


    by jollyroger on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 9:02pm

    LOVE those videos, Bwakkie.  Thanks so much.  And really, honey, come back and set a spell. . .


    by Ramona on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 4:06pm

    So very glad to see you here, Cheekhen!

    These videos are stunning! Embarrassed to say I can't look at them without tears of rage and determination - and of great appreciation, too! - all welling up together. I've looked at them often since you posted the links. They tell a remarkable story to those who can listen with their heart.

    Pizza from Ian's? On State Street? If I remember right, it's a few blocks down on the right:

    IMG_0338

    (Taken from the Capitol in Madison, looking down State Street)

     


    by SleepinJeezus on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:02am

    This is terrific!  Keep 'em coming.  And stay safe, you and Joan.  God, I would LOVE to be there with you!


    by Ramona on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 2:32pm

    Thank you, Jeezus and Joan!!  I've been enjoying all your updates on Facebook, and here at Dag.  I hope you don't mind but I copied one of the titles of your post for a new one at Paradigm, featuring Bwak's video.  But I gave you guys hat tips.  Smile

    GO WISCONSIN!


    by LisB on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 3:00pm

    puts a lump in my throat

     

    Joe Hill ain't never died....

     

    ONE BIG UNION!


    by jollyroger on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 4:00pm

    Great writeup! And interesting contrast between a real grassroots movement and the made-for TV faux crowds that manage to look big with careful camera angles and extra vitriol on the producer's command. Very inspiring - and I sure hope you are right that momentum will carry forward.

    But wouldn't a *functioning* democracy look like a bunch of effective legislators dutifully working on behalf of what was best for their constituents ... with their constituents happily working at their jobs, playing and living in satisfaction that their government represents them?

    Seriously not trying to be snarky - and CERTAINLY not trying to belittle the very inspiring actions currently being undertaken. I am cheering you guys on along with the majority of Americans. 100% with you in spirit.

    But to say this demonstrates a functional democracy is crazy. This is a demonstration of the power in our constitutionally protected rights to free-speech and public assembly. Sure, at this point we pretty much HAVE to do this if we don't want our government to totally fuck us over. That isn't right. That isn't proper. And it sure as hell isn't accurate that the absence of a protest like this means politicians shouldn't be blamed for slime-ridden policies that sell out our nation to ulta-wealthy power brokers. Any administration that requires this in order for the people to have their needs taken care of is not an administration that represents the people. It's a sign of broken democracy.

    I'm proud that we are starting to take action as Americans. But I am concerned with the canard that the need for this state of action somehow is representative of proper functioning democracy. It isn't. The Obama apologist formula that if a leader does something against our interests it's somehow our fault for not pushing him hard enough is bullshit. If one proposes we must storm Washington like this to get our needs met by the president we elected - it demonstrates Obama is no better than the guy currently running Wisconsin.

    Thanks for going to the demonstration and bringing back such an awesome report and pics.


    by kgb999 on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 4:27pm

    This is what freedom looks like....

    Would you sign on to that?


    by jollyroger on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 4:39pm

    Indeed I would.


    by kgb999 on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 1:13am

    Obama is no better than the guy currently running Wisconsin.

    Well, duh....(con respetto...)


    by jollyroger on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 4:49pm

    "Obama is no better than the guy currently running Wisconsin."

    Why don't you pose this as a question to the people camping out in the WI state capital?  Because, except for the Johnny-Come-Lately author of this post, I'm betting you won't get a whole lot of agreement from the people whose livelihoods are on the line thanks to Scott Walker.  You Fifth Column types really need to focus on the issues at hand if you want to be taken seriously. 



    by brewmn on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 12:55am

    Hey ... Brew! Good to see ya. I was just talking about that time you decided "Cocksucker!" would be a trenchant response to criticism of Obama policy. Good times.

    Indeed, I lie awake nights worrying if brewmn is taking me seriously.


    by kgb999 on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 1:28am

    You shouldn't lose any sleep over whether anyone takes you seriously or not.  They don't.


    by brewmn on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 9:52am

    Hi Brew. Great to see you show up and express your solidarity with the Wisconsin protesters! your voice has been sorely missed.

    ;0)


    by Obey on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:04am

    I didn't realize that comparing a Democratic president to the union-busting Republican governor was an "expression of solidarity."   Maybe you can explain that part of it to me.


    by brewmn on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:11am

    But you're probably on more comfortable ground enforcing the black-and-white, braindead mutual rubfest that long ago replaced honest debate on the lefty blogs.


    by brewmn on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:21am

    I don't know much about the details, but if and when the governor decides to cut off winter heating subsidies for poor, we can start comparing the two...

    /snark

    (Seriously dude, here we've got labor rights on the line and you decide to pick a few fights with people because you've got differences about a completely different issue: loyalty to Obama. Just don't see the point)


    by Obey on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:23am

    I didn't raise the issue.  And I think it's important to stress that, if we are going to defeat the Republicans, it's going to be done through the Democratic Party and, yes, the evil Barack Obama.  Instead, a bunch of wankers want to trot out their New Left, pox on both houses, third-party pipe dream bullshit.  Again.  For the, like, billionth time.  And in a situation where it's not remotely appropriate, and is in direct conflict with objective political reality.

    And I should note that the unions whose bandwagon you all are jumpiing on are the most stalwart supporters of the Democratic Party these wankers despise.  Try squaring that circle.

    So, if you're so concerned about the WI protests, and what they mean for American labor, why aren't you policing all deviations from that discussion, instead of being the fourth person to try to pile on me for this digression?


    by brewmn on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 11:11am

    Brew, you are the one who made this thread a fight about loyalty to Obama. Kgb was making a point about whether these demonstrations are a sign of a vibrant and functioning democracy. I happen to disagree with him on that (in Europe taking to the streets is an everyday part of the democratic process). You decided to make it personal.


    by Obey on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 11:23am

    You obviously read neither kgb's comment or the one from jollyroger highlighting the comment I was objecting to.  You should really read a thread before sticking your nose in.


    by brewmn on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:04pm

    I thought we became America because the way Europeans do it sucks. ;-P

    Taking to the streets is rather prevalent in Jamaica too. Pretty place. Don't want their system of representation. Just give me good leaders, thanks.


    by kgb999 on Tue, 02/22/2011 - 12:55pm

    "In a recent communique, the SEIU announced that they are going to change the tactics they’ve been using.  They stated:

    “Unless SEIU and the labor movement jettison the service model of unionism, there will be no unions left.

    •  We are in a class war.
    •  The Democrats and the Republicans stab us in the back. We need our own labor candidates to run.
    •  We don’t get anything that we don’t organize and fight for in the political arena.  Politics is secondary to organizing.
    •  Our job is to find new ways to create a movement and to use non-traditional methods of struggle. (i.e. to go beyond the grievance process and put help members organize themselves and put themselves in motion.)
    •  We represent the working class, not just our members.”

    Hmmmm.


    by we are stardust on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 12:27pm

    Well, if y'all really want to get into it, here's a general picture of the relationship:

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/18/AR201102...


    by Obey on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 12:48pm

    (Big Grin.)  Unions by now are prolly wonderin' what they got fer that cotton-pickin' $35 million they gave the man...

     


    by we are stardust on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 1:31pm

    Hey, if Big Union is willing to use it's money and it's votes to pull the Democrats leftward, that's all good to me.  But when push comes to shove, I still expect them to be involved in the process, and to make the best choice available to them in any given election.  They don't seem as fond of cutting off their respective noses to spite their respective faces as some do.


    by brewmn on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:13pm

    "All good" to you? HA! Remember when the unions put money in behind a primary challenger in Arkansas? Yeah. All good.

    And now here you are, tossing names like "Johnny-Come-Lately" and "5th columnist" at Sleepin'? 

    Grip. Get it.


    by quinn esq on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 11:54pm

    (counterfactual alert)   Blanche was a loser from jump...The lefty might have won.  Doncha think, maybe?


    by jollyroger on Tue, 02/22/2011 - 12:12am

    In Arkansas, Joyce Elliott couldn't win Vic Snyder's old House seat. If Blanche Lincoln was too Liberal for Arkansas, there as no way someone to the left of her could win. In fact if the Republican who ran against the Democratic Arkansas Governor had instead run for Lt Gov,, that very conservative Republican would have won, and be a viable candidate to be the next Governor.

    Noting the exchanges with brewman, I think that brewman is addressing a world where Russ Feingold and Alan Grayson lost, Wisconsin elected a Tea Party member, and Sharon Angle was able to run a race much closer than it should have been in a sane world.

    A significant portion of the population does respond to the Conservative message.


    by robbit on Tue, 02/22/2011 - 5:33pm

    If you can find a comment from me opposing Halter's challenge to Lincoln, print it.  Otherwise, shut the fuck up.

    And I love, just luuuuuv, how you guys all give each other props for wiriting shit on blogs.  Why, your poor widdle fingers are probably worn to nubs on behalf of the working man.  Jesus himself could have learned a thing or two from you all about sacrifice.


    by brewmn on Tue, 02/22/2011 - 12:24pm

    ...


    by quinn esq on Tue, 02/22/2011 - 12:36pm

    Why don't you pose this as a question to the people camping out in the WI state capital?  Because, except for the Johnny-Come-Lately author of this post...

    By "Johnny-Come-Lately," you must be assuming that everyone on the Square in Madison is now an Obama supporter because the Repubs are running roughshod over our democracy. eh? Still peddling that same old "Vote for Obama 'cuz he's not nearly as bad as the other guys!" line of bullshit, are we?

    A good many of the people I have talked with in Madison have taken a look around and see where the Obama/ThirdWay/DLC Republican Light style of "opposition" gets  you. The liberal movement - and, yes! The Dem Party itself! - is in a fight for their life against the fascists who would put us under one-party rule, with everyone swearing allegiance to Wall Street and their Dow Jones Average.

    The Koch Bros. and Rove are playing for keeps in a take-no-prisoners assault against the middle class. Meanwhile, the Dems (especially in Washington) can't break the bad habit of trying to accommodate the fascists. "If we don't do anything to piss them off, perhaps they'll let us stay and play!" Simpering little rats are they all, looking for that next piece of cheese.

    Fifth Column? Or Third Way? It really makes no difference, ultimately. It's death by a thousand cuts at the hand of the Dems. Or dispatch by guillotine under direction of the Republicans. Some kind of choice you offer there, sport.

    There is a lot of talk - in Madison and throughout the country - about a genuine alternative political party being formed, and it is no longer just the nihilists doing the talking. Drastic times call for drastic measures, and the Progressive Movement stands as an example of the way such an action might be effectively engaged. Keep an eye on Russ Feingold and the SEIU and other organizers to see what the future might bring that will draw us away from this plutocracy that throttles us at present. Something's gotta give, and I look to them (or anyone else!) who might actually provide a roadmap for a detour to get us away from this Dem/GOP road to hell.

    Obama supporter? Me? No, that guy who looks like me and who WAS an adamant Obama supporter throughout the Primary and General Elections disappeared shortly after the inauguration, muttering something about "hope" and "change you can believe in" and "changing the way we do business in Washington" and other platitudes that resonated in his soul. I'm pretty certain he starved long before he found what he was looking for.

    I'll be taking his place from now on. Obama who?


    by SleepinJeezus on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 9:11am

    My problem with your whole stance is that you refuse to ackowledge that this whole DLC/Third Way stuff didn't arise in a vacuum.  Democrats turned to it because they were getting trounced, repeatedly, in elections.

    And how do you explain Walker's election in the first place?  If people think the way to beat the Kochs and Goldman Sachs is to elect a governor running explicitly on a union-busting platform, then they are too stupid to be entrusted with the vote in the first place.

    That said, I'm pleased and proud that average people are finally making a spectacle of the abuse they've suffered at the hands of a government increasingly in run by and for the wealthiest few and global capital.  This could be a turning point in the national debate (though I'm not optimistic that it will turn in the direction you and I hope it will).

    I just would prefer that we would prevent the need for these demonstrations through a better use of the ballot; but the average American has been voting against their economic interests for my entire adult life.   


    by brewmn on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:16am

    but the average American has been voting against their economic interests for my entire adult life.

    As in 2008? Eggzackly! Glad you finally got the point.


    by SleepinJeezus on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:49am

    And "the point" is, what?  That McCain would have been a better choice for working and middle-class Americans?  I guess you would like to see the National Guard brought in to clear those protestors out of the Madison statehouse then? 


    by brewmn on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 11:04am

    The point would be that my vote for the Dems in 2008 (and every vote cast in at least the last thirty years!) turned out to be a vote against my economic interests and the interests of the entire middle class.

    Your point, of course, is that John McCain would have been worse.

    "How do you prefer your arsenic?" asks the bartender, brewmn. "Straight up, or mixed with your Kool-Aid?"

    That, in a nutshell, is the point.

    There's got to be a good, old fashioned Wisconsin-style of working class bar around here to take my business to, instead. I hope we find it. This one's making me pretty ill and quite seriously threatens to be the death of me and my friends.


    by SleepinJeezus on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 5:04pm

    Well, ok, I am bitter.  And, sure,   Prez is no Walker.

    THAT SAID

    One is obliged, it seems to me, to find some rational frame for the huge gap between the campaigner Obama and Pres. Obama.

    And, I am on record, brew, as calling for cutting Prez a lot of slack.

    I think the history of the battle over health care reform is, perhaps, paradigmatically illustrative.

    Far from presenting the appearance of centrism in order better to slip in the shiv, (my preferred modus operandi) Prez made tactical decisions that fundamentally undermined his strategic position, leading directly to the 2010 electoral catastrophe. (I will list them if you insist, but I think you already know pretty much what I'm driving at.)

    Likewise his handling of the stimulus battle.

    Ditto his handling of the bank crisis which was utterly pusillanimous, lacking in vigor and vision, (vim and verve too boot.)

    His Supreme Court appointments stink, and his failure to fill a host of lower judgeships, as well as Federal Reserve positions (for chrissake) are a seriously feckless lapse.

    All in all, I do not see a fighter.

    And we are in a real fight.

     

    You may say that I demonstrate the pathology of the disappointed lover, who once could see no wrong, and now can see no right.

     

    We will not even address ..civil    ...liberties, or the catastrophic refusal to examine and punish the criminal acts of the prior regime, which has given breathing space for the forces of reaction to regroup and emerge in their present strength. So I ask myself, can this simply be the doofus factor? I really respect Prez as an intellect, and I cannot shake then the conviction that he is either crippled by characterological defects (like George C. Scott said to Paul Newman "Fast Eddy, it's not enough to have talent...you gotta have character." or, he's actually in the pocket of the plutocrats whose agenda he advances by strategically surrendering.


    by jollyroger on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 11:15pm

    Thanks for the fair, reasonable (and mostly accurate) response.  I trash the guy in private much more than in public.  Sadly, in spite of all of the disappointment of the last two years, I remain convinced that he has been the most effective progressive legislator in my adult life (I first voted in 1980), and quite possibly the most effective I'll ever see.  And I think progressives turn their back on the Democrats at their political peril.

    That said, on topic, I really hope that the standoff in Madison wakes a lot of working and middle class Americans the hell up.  Other working people are not their enemy just because they belong to a union.  Why so much of the working class has convinced themselves that they don't deserve decent healthcare or a secure retirement remains one of the most baffling mysteries of political life in America.    


    by brewmn on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 11:35pm

    . Why so much of the working class

    So much so, that they would bristle at the designation.  Which is pure insanity.

    I mean, if you have an annual income (not net worth, mind you, but income) over a quarter mill  you might at least be excused for voting Repugnant on the basis of crass sefl-interest.  Merely venal, if you will permit.

    But for there to be enough deluded joe the plumbers to produce electoral victories for the Pugs is beyond bizarre.  Can they not count?

    It's really quite simple...if you get paid for your time, whether hourly, weekly, or monthly, you are working class.. Live with it, revel in it if you have the chops, but, precious blood of the Sweet Baby Jesus, don't sign up with the ruling class on a humbug!

    You will never live off your investments.  Rent seeking ought not to be your lodestone


    by jollyroger on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 11:45pm

    possibly the most effective I'll ever see.

     I think there is a good argument that he is the coolest, leftist, president that our abortion of a political system is likely to vomit up.

    Which leaves us where?  Certainly, for the *short term we must, perforce, pray for a second Obama term.  I would prefer Russ Feingold (Hell, I preferred tha little guy with the hot redhead, but he wasn't really a contender)

     

    *witness your trenchant comparison with the potential responses of Pres. McCain (let alone Pres Palin, he having succumbed to the cardiovascular challenges of office...) to the  Wisconsin brouhaha,


    by jollyroger on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 11:51pm

    JOHN NICHOLS: Well, what happened is last November we had an election and the Republicans did very well, they elected a governor and took control of both houses of the legislature. In January, they passed a whole host of tax cuts for multi-national, out of state corporations. And then at the start of February they announced we are broke, and as a result, they implemented, or brought forward a plan that would ultimately cut the pay, cut the benefits, cut the pensions of public employees and do so by eliminating their collective bargaining rights. The interesting thing is this is not just state employees, this is also county and city employees, and teachers. They had a sweeping bill that came forward just last Friday, it was not something that was anticipated. They were going to vote on Thursday.

    What happened Amy is that we saw something—I know you and I both were in Seattle back in 1999 at the WTO protest. It was something quite remarkable. People mobilized very very quickly. And it was people power. They filled the streets. When I came downtown in my city of Madison, on the first day of the big protests, the traffic started to slow down a little bit and I did not know why. Thousands of students from the high schools walking up the main thoroughfares to be at the capitol. I really cannot tell you how remarkable it is. And there’s simply no doubt that these Democratic state senators who really were expected to go along with the process, make some objections, be very angry about it but ultimately go along, they looked out the windows of the capital and saw these incredible very peaceful and positive protests, lots of kids and families and they did make this extraordinary gesture. It has at this point at least stopped the process.

    If you don't want to have to march in the streets, you'd better get the vote out and keep the bastards out of office.


    by Donal on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 5:05pm

    I have no problems with marching in the streets - it's kind of fun (unless the authorities bust out teargas and rubber bullets). I just realize that the situation having reached a point where marching in the streets appears the most viable course of action means Democrats have completely failed to accomplish what America gave them historic majorities across 2006 and 2008 to accomplish for us. Card check? LMAO. Obama went to the mat for KFTA instead.

    Oh yeah. And guess where national Democrats decided to hold the 2012 convention? In a city without a single union hotel ... let alone a union convention hall. Announced right at the height of a struggle where Unions could really use a strong signal of support from national Democrats. Yeah ... keep the bastards out of office indeed. Priceless. What party is going to offer these "non-bastards" to us? Considering only Democrats and Republicans are allowed to participate in televised political events during election season ... and both have been generally non-supportive of labor (or anyone worth less than $10 million) ... methinks we're pretty screwed.


    by kgb999 on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 2:42am

    Terrific question and insight, kgb.

    As you know, from my perspective we have had a corrupt, non-functioning, supposedly democratic government in this country for some time. And we will continue to do so for so long as we rely upon corporate cash and the monies of those who can afford to "invest" in lawmaking to fund our elections.

    There was a time when a quid pro quo between monies contributed and laws passed was seen as an abominable abuse of office and a crime, both for the giver and the taker of such a crime. Now, we hear it reported on the evening news as a fact of our political life. "Of course, Single-Payer Health Care cannot be considered as an option," says news anchor Fluft Hare (as an example). "The Health Insurance 'lobby' would simply never allow it to happen, and so such a proposal would immediately be dead in the water."

    Think about that. We've gone from defining corruption as a crime to now using it as the limit of our aspirations for just how much democratic rule we will be allowed from the ones who quite literally OWN this government.

    And so I agree with you. It's a sad state of affairs that what is happening in the Capitol in Madison is indeed what democracy looks like in today's America. It is an extremely frustrating and time-consuming and herculean and, ultimately and unfortunately, an unsustainable exercise in grassroots democracy that is inspiring ONLY because we don't have a functioning democratic system of governance.

    I stand in awe of the people of Wisconsin, who have stood for now the sixth day in the tens of thousands to declare that this can't stand. It is a revolt against those who would purchase from our elected "representatives" our very rights to organize and to negotiate our labor agreements.

    This IS what democracy looks like in today's America. It IS democracy in all its rudimentary essence - people coming together to petition their government to have their voices heard in defense of their rights. Citizens United has reduced us to this degree of effectiveness in our governance. It's abominable, but necessary if we are to ever stand a chance of wresting control of this government out of the hands of the plutocrats and into the embrace of the people where it belongs.

    We really have become little more than a banana republic. (And that ain't hyperbole!) It's gotta be fixed. Meanwhile, what we have going on in Madison is all we've got left to promote the interests of those who presently don't have enough "purchasing power" to buy votes sufficient to prevent the wholesale elimination of their rights and their voice in governance and, at last, of their own freedom and liberty.

    I'm with you in your concern for the future of this democracy, kgb, even as I know you stand with those in Madison who chant with a passion "THIS is what democracy looks like!"

    Solidarity! It's all we've got. But it's beautiful!


    by SleepinJeezus on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 5:05pm

    Thanks for the toughtful reply. Agreed. Solidarity is the ultimate answer. And I think before all is said and done we are going to have to figure out how to realize it across national borders (and within the American factions that are being played one against the other).

    I am also very impressed with the people Wisconsin. It's a fools errand where they seemingly can't prevail, which by today's political calculus would mean the fight isn't worth it. But that's the American way ... facing the long odds to fight for what's right even though victory is by no means assured. Nice to see so many people remember.


    by kgb999 on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 3:05am

    to see the Tea Party relegated to a street corner off the Square behind a police cordon

     

    Whose streets...?


    by jollyroger on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 4:36pm

    Thanks for posting, sleepinjesus! The post and the pictures are great!

    Thank you for all you're doing for union rights. I'm grateful.


    by Doctor Cleveland on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 7:21pm

    The fact that the major news networks didn't cover this story at the beginning is identica to how, in the early days of the modern Civil Rights movement, stories like Emmett Till took a long time to reach the general public.

    It seems Facebbok and individual blog sites are now a necessary part of the tools one needs to remain informed. The Wisconsin Governor created this financial crisis. He now wants to "save" his states economy on the backs of working people.The union already gave concessions to the Governor.

    Unions have their faults, but private industry and politicians cannot claim any moral superiority in their behavior.


    by robbit on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 12:09am

    Well the ball has started rolling in Wisconsin. We have to keep it rolling, otherwise we all lose. It's going to take more than faxs or e-mails to state and national legislators...I've always believed they were a waste of effort simply because without a live person behind them they are ignored. I can't participate because I'm not in the US, but that doesn't stop me from donating as much cash as I have available to support those who do.  Actually, blogs like this one would be an excellent portal to collect and channel donations to those groups in need of financial assistance for necessities such as food, water and so forth.


    by Beetlejuice on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 5:20am

    You Go Jeezus. I'm with you heart and soul.

    Stay strong!!


    by Obey on Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:06am

    Bravo Sleepin!

    I would have chimed in sooner but I've been sick for about a week.  I do wish I had been there.  I'm hoping and praying that some of the labor folks and others realize that this is the spark, this is the moment to make a call for nationwide demonstrations in opposition to the march of authoritarian rule in America because that is what the issue is.  If they can use their blitzkrieg approach to bust labor for good they will seize power everywhere with no intention of ever letting go.  Time to fight as our grandfathers fought: to secure a future of stability and prosperity for the common people both here at home and abroad.

    My hat's off to ya!  Bravo once more!


    by oleeb on Tue, 02/22/2011 - 3:13pm

    STOP THE EXPORTING OF JOBS AND THE IMPORTATION OF FOREIGN GOODS

    COLLECTIVE BARGAINING  is like putting the cart before the horse.

    If jobs keep leaving; how many workers will benefit from collective bargaining?

    When Americans buy those cheap foreign goods, did we really care then about collective bargaining? 

    Americans need to stand up against those in power, those tryin to enslave us. AMERICNS NEED TO QUIT BEING TWO- FACED. 

    Collective  bargaining may have been the spark,  but we need to set the thicket of Corporate power ablaze. People in RIGHT TO WORK States, can join the battle of

    STOP THE EXPORTING OF JOBS AND THE IMPORTATION OF FOREIGN GOODS

     Do you wonder why Corporations won't like that battle?  

    Will corporations step in and tell the Wisconsin Governor, stop before the fire spreads out of control?


    by Resistance on Wed, 02/23/2011 - 4:10am

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